By MICHAEL SMAR
While public perception of the U.S. government dwindles, students’ perceptions of BYU’s “political” leaders, the BYUSA presidency, is characterized more by bewilderment than complaint.
“I have no idea what they do,” said Jay Wahlquist, a freshman history major from Frederick, Md.
“I guess they organize activities for school. I don’t know, I don’t really keep up on BYUSA,” said Stacey Simmons, a senior music major from Los Angeles.
Wesley McDougal, president of BYUSA, said students may have a preconceived notion about the BYUSA presidency.
“The general perception is that it’s for someone who is politically ambitious, wanting to climb the ladder and stuff a resume,” McDougal said.
“What they don’t realize is there are lots of easier ways to stuff a resume.”
According to students’ comments, students don’t have any notion at all about the BYUSA presidency.
“Isn’t it Wes McDougal or whatever?” asked Steven Glasgow, a freshman computer science major from Herndon, Va. “Don’t they have something to do with the Honor Code?”
Ann Morrell, a graduate student in math from Provo, said “the BYUSA president” said hi to her on campus even though she doesn’t know him.
When asked if she was aware of any BYUSA vice presidents, Morrell said, “I think I saw the girl a couple of days ago, but didn’t she resign? I don’t know who the new one is.”
“A lot of people don’t realize that we have six vice presidents who are appointed to be directors of certain areas,” said Mark Packham, vice president of public communications.
“How many of them do anything?” asked Doug White, a senior pre-med major from Syracuse, Utah, when told of the six vice presidents.
Dave Blake, vice president of community service, explained the responsibilities of the vice presidents.
“First of all, we oversee the affairs of the association, its volunteers, and how we’re meeting the needs of students and the vision and goals of the university.
“Second, we make sure that our individual branch is successful by providing a positive experience for the student volunteers and overall community.”
Packham said the presidency puts much emphasis on the student volunteers.
“I’d like to see the volunteers get the experience they’re looking for — generally, to develop Christ-like leadership skills.”
Tanya Remski, vice president of campus life, said the vice presidents are required to put in 30 hours of work each week.
“Often, close to events, we find ourselves putting in extra time to make sure they come off right,” Remski said. “I’ve found a balance in my life, so the 30 hours is more of an enjoyment than a constraint.”
Packham said the vice presidents receive a full tuition scholarship and book money, free admission to BYUSA activities and permission to sit on the stand during devotionals.
“Anyone knows that somebody working a 30-hour-per-week job will make more than enough to cover tuition and books,” Packham said.
McDougal said he sometimes works more than his required 40 hours a week despite his 15 credit hour school work load.
“We’ve been given a lot of legitimacy and respect from the administration,” the BYUSA president said. “We’ve sat in meetings where policies have been curbed and extensions granted according to what students have said.”
The presidency wasn’t sure what students thought of them.
“I think the average person might feel they don’t care about BYUSA,” said Packham. “I encourage them to come and find out what we’re about.”
“I don’t know what students think,” said Remski. “Maybe, since I’m campus life (vice president), they think I’m just a party-er.”
Despite BYU students’ ignorance of the BYUSA presidency’s duties, they are making a name for themselves in the oddest of areas.
“The BYUSA president honks his horn really loud in the U of U parking lot,” said sophomore Megan Morrell, a business management major from Provo, who said her friend is an attendant at the parking lot.
